Light Curtain Parameterization via Variable Beam Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light curtains require significant time and additional cabling for parameterization and operating mode settings, as these settings need to be entered into both the transmitter and receiver units, which is inefficient and prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
The light curtain uses transmitters with different beam durations, where only a few transmitters with longer beam durations transmit information via light pulses, allowing parameters to be automatically sent from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit via an information beam, reducing the need for additional cabling and enhancing immunity to interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parameterization and operating mode settings are entered into both transmitter and receiver units using conventional methods, then the light curtain can be configured for specific applications, but the process requires significant time and additional cabling which is inefficient and prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical parameterization method (manual entry into both units with cabling) with an optical communication system. Transmitters send parameter data to receivers via light pulses during beam duration, eliminating the need for physical connection and manual configuration of both units.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter unit automatically transmits parameterization data and operating mode settings to the receiver unit through the light beam communication channel. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention to configure both units separately, reducing parameterization time and cabling requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parameterization and operating mode settings are entered into both transmitter and receiver units, then the system can be properly configured, but additional cabling is required which increases device complexity and susceptibility to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical cabling with optical communication through light beams. Parameters are transmitted wirelessly via modulated light pulses from transmitters to receivers, eliminating the need for additional cables and reducing device complexity while maintaining configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam serves multiple functions: it performs both the primary safety monitoring function (detecting objects in the monitored area) and the secondary parameterization function (transmitting configuration data). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cabling dedicated solely to parameterization.
3Device complexity
If all transmitters use the same beam duration, then the system is simpler to control, but information transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different beam durations to different transmitters based on their specific functions. Transmitters carrying parameterization data use longer beam durations to ensure complete data transmission, while other transmitters use shorter durations for rapid object detection. This local differentiation optimizes information transmission efficiency without compromising control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beam duration based on the specific requirements of each transmitter. The control unit assigns appropriate beam durations to individual transmitters, allowing the system to adapt the timing characteristics to the information transmission needs of each beam, thereby improving overall transmission efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the parameterization effort, allows for time-optimized information transmission, and achieves a short response time for object detection signals, while maintaining reliability and immunity to interference.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitters are activated individually and sequentially for a specific beam duration and emit light beams in the form of light pulses
Implementation Method 2
in a second housing at the opposite edge of the monitored area, a series of light-receiving receivers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a light curtain (1) for detecting objects in a monitoring area, comprising an arrangement of transmitter-receiver pairs. Each transmitter-receiver pair has a light beam (3) emitting transmitter (4) and an associated receiver (6), wherein, when the monitoring area is clear, the light beams (3) of the transmitter (4) reach the associated receiver (6) unimpeded, and wherein, when an object enters the monitoring area, the light beams (3) of at least one transmitter (4) are interrupted. In an evaluation unit (9), an object detection signal is generated depending on the received signals from the receivers (6). The transmitters (4) are individually activated sequentially for a beam duration and emit light beams (3) in the form of light pulses.Transmitters (4) with different beam durations are provided, wherein at least one transmitter (4) with a longer beam duration compared to the beam durations of other transmitters (4) transmits at least one piece of information to the associated receiver (6) by means of the light pulses, thereby forming an information beam.